Let’s Review [VIDEO]: Von Willebrand Disease & Hemophilia

Let’s Talk Period has collaborated with the Kingston General Hospital to spread awareness about bleeding disorders. Von Willebrand Disease and hemophilia impact an individual’s health, but as inherited diseases, it’s also an important conversation to have with your family. These videos explore the two different bleeding disorders, and how the Self-BAT can help with finding out more about your own body.

Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, affecting up to 1 in 1000 individuals. It is inherited equally by men and women and causes excessive bleeding symptoms such as nosebleeds, bruising, or bleeding after tooth extraction and surgery. It also causes heavy periods and excessive bleeding after childbirth, which is why VWD is more often diagnosed in women than men. There are many treatments available to help prevent and manage these symptoms in patients that are diagnosed.

Hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder (affecting 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 30,000 males depending on the type) but the bleeding can be severe. Men are affected by hemophilia, while women are known as carriers. However, both can be affected by excessive bleeding. Severe hemophilia causes spontaneous bleeding into muscles and joints, while milder forms cause excessive bleeding after trauma or surgery. Bleeding symptoms in carriers can be similar to the symptoms experienced by mild/moderate hemophiliacs with the addition of heavy periods and excessive bleeding after childbirth. There are many treatments available to help prevent and manage these symptoms.

To learn more about effective treatments or to continue the conversation, please get in touch with us by writing to us at the bottom of our website homepage. Join our communities on Facebook and Instagram to get regular information about bleeding disorders and help other women be empowered by this knowledge.

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